USC running back Ronald Jones II runs with the ball during the second half of a game against Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, in Eugene, Ore.

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USC running back Ronald Jones II, front, is tackled after a short gain by Colorado linebacker Rick Gamboa during the second half of their game Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, in Boulder, Colo.

USC running back Ronald Jones II, left, breaks a tackle by Utah defensive back Marcus Williams during the second half of their game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, at the Coliseum.

USC running back Ronald Jones II

USC linebacker Cameron Smith runs the ball after intercepting it during the first half of a game against Utah on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at the Coliseum.

USC running back Justin Davis

USC running back Justin Davis

USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster

USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson returns an interception 46 yards for a touchdown during the second half of a game against Cal last season. Jackson is not expected to participate in spring football, so he can focus on track and field.

That question most likely will be answered by Sam Darnold. Max Browne is more of a known quantity. He has worked with Coach Clay Helton for three years and is the safer choice, and that’s not a knock on the intelligent, strong-armed Browne. The question is whether Darnold, a redshirt freshman from San Clemente High, can make enough of an impact in the spring and influence Helton to continue competition in the fall.

2. How will the defense look?

Pull up a video from 2013, because coordinator Clancy Pendergast is back. It’s possible that Pendergast has changed his scheme and philosophy since then, but it’s unlikely. Look for USC to return to the more aggressive, blitzing fronts that Pendergast installed during his first (brief) run at USC. Given USC’s player losses in the front seven, Pendergast will need to identify some playmakers during spring practices.

3. Where will Adoree’ Jackson be seen?

Most likely, about 50 yards away from the football field, at USC’s track stadium. Jackson announced late last season that he intended to skip spring practice to focus on his attempt to make the 2016 Olympics as a long jumper. That’s tough for USC, which would prefer to have Jackson work with new defensive coaches and teammates, but Helton will honor a promise he made to Jackson during recruiting.

4. Any changes on offense?

This will be interesting. Last season, Helton ran a back-to-basics, run-first offense because he felt it suited USC’s needs. Now, Helton will turn over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tee Martin, although it seems clear that Helton will keep a close eye on the offense. With a new quarterback and good depth at tailback, will the Trojans remain a run-heavy team or look to open things up more?

5. Can the offensive line find stability?

The Trojans’ linemen often looked as though they were on a chessboard last season, with players being moved off, on and all around the field. USC used four centers because of injury and had to shift after starting left tackle Chad Wheeler had an incident with local police in December. Wheeler is expected to return, but Zach Banner indicated he would like a chance to compete for the left tackle position.

Rich Hammond was a high school senior when the Rams left town in 1995, and now he's their beat writer for the Southern California News Group. A native of L.A., Rich broke in at the Daily Breeze as a college freshman and also has covered USC, the Kings, the Lakers and the Dodgers. He still loves sports and telling stories. Don't take the sarcastic tweets too seriously.